Well that's a relief.
It's hard to write a post like this and not come off as patronising, but thought Southampton played really well today against a below-par City performance. City, to our discredit, looked complacent for much of the game, and played at a tempo and with an attitude that was somewhat disrespectful to Southampton, thinking it would be a game that would be easier than it ultimately proved to be. All in all, we (City) did what we had to, but it wasn't so much us making it hard for ourselves, but rather a case of Southampton dealing really well with anything we had to throw at you. Our first goal was borderline offside, and our second and third were quite fortunate in the sense that the ball fell for us in the box. City got lucky with the Lescott challenge (I'd have had no complaints if a penalty to Southampton was given for that), and while I feel City's penalty was the right decision, for that to come so soon after the Lescott challenge just rubbed salt in the wounds. It was a dreadfully taken penalty anyway!
Despite the result, the performance should give you guys confidence for future PL games. Wigan next at home, where a win is crucial, especially with playing United and Arsenal after that game. And based on this weekends performances, I can only see a win for Southampton.
All in all, a great opening day fixture to watch (but I can say that only in hindsight!!!), and while I'm obviously delighted that we (City) won, it was a result that was a little harsh on Southampton. If you had gotten something out of the game, then possession stats aside, I for one wouldn't have had too many complaints.
But like I inferred at the start of my post, it's easier to say that when your team wins. Nonetheless, good luck for the rest of the season. I genuinely don't see any problems for your side in terms of staying up. In fact, I think you'll more than hold your own in the top flight.
It's hard to write a post like this and not come off as patronising, but thought Southampton played really well today against a below-par City performance. City, to our discredit, looked complacent for much of the game, and played at a tempo and with an attitude that was somewhat disrespectful to Southampton, thinking it would be a game that would be easier than it ultimately proved to be. All in all, we (City) did what we had to, but it wasn't so much us making it hard for ourselves, but rather a case of Southampton dealing really well with anything we had to throw at you. Our first goal was borderline offside, and our second and third were quite fortunate in the sense that the ball fell for us in the box. City got lucky with the Lescott challenge (I'd have had no complaints if a penalty to Southampton was given for that), and while I feel City's penalty was the right decision, for that to come so soon after the Lescott challenge just rubbed salt in the wounds. It was a dreadfully taken penalty anyway!
Despite the result, the performance should give you guys confidence for future PL games. Wigan next at home, where a win is crucial, especially with playing United and Arsenal after that game. And based on this weekends performances, I can only see a win for Southampton.
All in all, a great opening day fixture to watch (but I can say that only in hindsight!!!), and while I'm obviously delighted that we (City) won, it was a result that was a little harsh on Southampton. If you had gotten something out of the game, then possession stats aside, I for one wouldn't have had too many complaints.
But like I inferred at the start of my post, it's easier to say that when your team wins. Nonetheless, good luck for the rest of the season. I genuinely don't see any problems for your side in terms of staying up. In fact, I think you'll more than hold your own in the top flight.
Brilliant logic there!
